Yardbarker: Soccer Rumors and Gossiphttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer
Recent rumors and gossip about Socceren-usWest Ham executive caught discriminating against African players in leaked emailTony Henry, the director of player recruitment for English soccer club West Ham United, is under scrutiny for expressing discriminatory statements about African players.The Daily Mail on Wednesday published the contents of a leaked email in which Henry reportedly tells an agent and other West Ham executive that they don’t want any more African players. The email came in reply to an inquiry about a Cameroonian player.“We don’t want any more Africans and he’s not good enough,” Henry said in the email, according to the Daily Mail. “I sent Thomas to watch him and the other lad last week and he said no. If Palace take them good luck.”The Daily Mail reports that Henry told at least one agent last month that the club was not interested in any more African players. When confronted by the Daily Mail about the accusation, Henry claimed he was not racist despite saying African players can have a bad reason.“Because we had three and we felt we didn’t particularly want any more African players. … It’s nothing racist at al31 Jan 2018 19:25:40 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/west_ham_executive_caught_discriminating_against_african_players_in_leaked_email/s1_127_25590389
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/west_ham_executive_caught_discriminating_against_african_players_in_leaked_email/s1_127_25590389West Ham executive caught discriminating against African players in leaked emailhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/west_ham_executive_caught_discriminating_against_african_players_in_leaked_email/s1_127_25590389http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/6/a6a76f485872dac428f1cf7adc112451d2aaa22b/top_story/GettyImages-648771692.jpgLiverpool stuns Manchester City, ends unbeaten runLiverpool need to work on their defense. Perhaps Virgil van Dijk will help with that. But for the time being, they hold a unique distinction. They are now the only Premier League team to defeat Manchester City this season. That’s right, the Reds have done it. But they still have work to do.Sunday morning, Liverpool and City gave us one helluva thrilling encounter. Seven goals—six of them in the second half—and a furious comeback would make it the matchup of the weekend. But new signing van Dijk didn’t play. That’s something Liverpool can hold on to as they look to shore up their back line. Because while scoring four goals in a match is enough to win most of them, it’s not always going to be that easy. And as we saw today, Liverpool is more than capable of shipping goals. The fact that City were in this near the end shouldn’t surprise anyone. But the fact that it looked so easy for the Citizens to poke in two goals within five minutes? That’s worrying, but nothing out of the ordinary for a Jürgen Klopp-led sid14 Jan 2018 22:32:57 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/liverpool_stun_manchester_city_end_unbeaten_run/s1_11773_25451603
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/liverpool_stun_manchester_city_end_unbeaten_run/s1_11773_25451603Liverpool stuns Manchester City, ends unbeaten runhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/liverpool_stun_manchester_city_end_unbeaten_run/s1_11773_25451603http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/2/a24c5d2aac3d0a056e6b18844d9322056226c60e/top_story/GettyImages-904869910.jpgLandon Donovan ends retirement to join Club LeónIt appears as though Landon Donovan has ended his retirement. The USMNT legend hasn’t played since the 2016 MLS season, scoring just once over nine appearances. Before that, he would last play during the 2014 campaign—tallying 13 goals and assisting 15 more. It’s rare to see the 35-year-old venture outside of MLS, but that’s just what’s happening here.León would finish seventh a season ago and eighth the season before that. Is Donovan going to be a difference-maker going forward? Or, is he just going to serve in a mentor-type role? There’s no way of knowing just yet. But the joint-top USMNT scorer is a name that’s nothing but familiar to Mexico.Here’s to seeing what the 35-year-old has left in the tank.13 Jan 2018 22:57:20 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/landon_donovan_ends_retirement_to_join_club_len/s1_11773_25443203
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/landon_donovan_ends_retirement_to_join_club_len/s1_11773_25443203Landon Donovan ends retirement to join Club Leónhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/landon_donovan_ends_retirement_to_join_club_len/s1_11773_25443203http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/a/0a3ddd632798cec789e994c57a07aab49fbbdf30/top_story/9666275.jpgNottingham Forest eliminate Arsenal from FA CupThe first of three matches that Arsène Wenger isn’t available for didn’t go as Arsenal were expecting. In their FA Cup matchup against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners would fall by a scoreline of 4-2. 29-year-old American Eric Lichaj would account for two goals in the first half, but two penalties were the difference in the second half.That’s probably not going to make Wenger feel any better.This marks Arsenal’s earliest FA Cup defeat in the Wenger era. He’s never seen his team lose at this stage, which is quite honestly remarkable. Typically, the upset bug hits everybody early at some point. But not Arsenal—until today.Back in the Premier League, the Gunners are on 39 points. That’s only good enough for sixth in the league, two points off of Tottenham. Last season would see the Gunners miss out on the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. For now, it looks like more of the same.But the Gunners possess the talent to turn theirs season around. However, it hinges on holding on to a couple of their st07 Jan 2018 13:27:53 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/nottingham_forest_eliminate_arsenal_from_fa_cup/s1_11773_25395800
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/nottingham_forest_eliminate_arsenal_from_fa_cup/s1_11773_25395800Nottingham Forest eliminate Arsenal from FA Cuphttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/nottingham_forest_eliminate_arsenal_from_fa_cup/s1_11773_25395800http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/1/01810ffba728483c448ccc222a31e67e8992956e/top_story/10178012.jpgBarcelona confirm Coutinho transfer from LiverpoolEarlier today, reports would break all but confirming Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona. A little while later, Barcelona would confirm the news themselves.“FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho. The player will sign a contract for the remainder of the season and five more…”But that’s not the most ridiculous part.“…and will have a buyout clause of 400 million euros.”Hooray for silly money! But, the Spanish giants didn’t stop there.“The midfielder arrives at FC Barcelona after demonstrating his class as a player with Liverpool and the Brazilian national side.Born on 12 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Phillipe Coutinho is one of the most talented midfielders in the world with the potential to get even better.”Coutinho is currently 25 years old, so they’re not wrong in the slightest. And despite the fact that he’s cup-tied for the remainder of the Champions League campaign, he should help Barcelona push on to win La Liga. As it stands, they are six06 Jan 2018 20:12:05 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_confirm_coutinho_transfer/s1_11773_25390670
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_confirm_coutinho_transfer/s1_11773_25390670Barcelona confirm Coutinho transfer from Liverpoolhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_confirm_coutinho_transfer/s1_11773_25390670http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/6/4623155144014106b24c0ec5209a755fdd66aa3e/top_story/GettyImages-899807744__1_.jpgTransfer moves, playing time: How the World Cup looms over 2018Signed for $45 million as a youthful centerpiece of AC Milan’s rebuild last summer, rumors of 22-year-old Andre Silva leaving the club for the Premier League just six months later appear shortsighted on both the club and the player. Moving to Serie A comes with a learning curve, much less for a young player at the striker position. But Silva was criticized by manager Gennaro Gattuso for disrespecting the club with lackadaisical performances, and he has yet to score in the league. Perhaps there would be more patience in a different season, but the urgency of Silva maintaining his starting place for Portugal in this summer’s World Cup adds an extra variable to his decision in moving sides in exchange for playing time. The foundation of top European clubs and the shape of players’ careers will be shaped by the transfer window this winter and especially following the tournament in Russia, for better or worse.Although the final between Germany and Argentina took place just four years ago, the seasonal interchange 05 Jan 2018 15:35:59 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/transfer_moves_playing_time_how_the_world_cup_looms_over_2018/s1_8276_25384646
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/transfer_moves_playing_time_how_the_world_cup_looms_over_2018/s1_8276_25384646Transfer moves, playing time: How the World Cup looms over 2018http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/transfer_moves_playing_time_how_the_world_cup_looms_over_2018/s1_8276_25384646http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/1/c15b114fb9c5401cf9334cf37de8dc03b09a3e12/top_story/GettyImages-800587764.jpgHarry Kane breaks Premier League recordHarry Kane would come into Tuesday's contest against Southampton needed just one goal to pass Alan Shearer. He would deliver within 22 minutes. Now, some may argue that "calendar year" records aren’t real. Well, it was certainly a topic of discussion when RVP was close in 2011. Nobody minds when we talk about Lionel Messi this way. The point is—a statistic is a statistic, and Harry Kane is world class at scoring goals.You don’t have to like it, but that’s the reality.Kane would add a second a few minutes later. But in the second half, Tottenham would open up the floodgates.But 38 goals in a calendar year? Think about that for one second. Plus not scoring at all in August and missing six weeks through injury last season?Oh, and he’s still only 24 years old.26 Dec 2017 12:03:10 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/harry_kane_breaks_premier_league_record/s1_11773_25309949
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/harry_kane_breaks_premier_league_record/s1_11773_25309949Harry Kane breaks Premier League recordhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/harry_kane_breaks_premier_league_record/s1_11773_25309949http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/6/762556880ae14644ac18fa24522b33b174d7778a/top_story/10141417.jpgBarcelona bury Madrid in El ClásicoIf there’s anything to be said about Saturday’s El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, it’s that it was far from classic. 17 matches into the La Liga campaign, Barcelona holds a 9-point lead on Atlético Madrid. Pep Guardiola scoffs at such a small margin. That lead stretches to 11 points over Valencia. However, when it comes to Real, the gap is now a staggering 14 points.In fact, Real are only two points ahead of Sevilla for fourth in the division. Of course, the top four sides in Spain automatically qualify for the Champions League. But this is anything but normal.That said, Real are winners of consecutive UCL trophies. And, they find themselves in the end stages once again. However, they take on PSG in the Round of 16 this time.But in regards to El Clásico, it was all Barcelona Saturday morning. Three second-half goals from the likes of Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal—plus a straight red courtesy of Dani Carvajal—would make all the difference.Thanks for waking up early, football fans.23 Dec 2017 12:51:20 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_bury_madrid_in_el_clsico/s1_11773_25296041
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_bury_madrid_in_el_clsico/s1_11773_25296041Barcelona bury Madrid in El Clásicohttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/barcelona_bury_madrid_in_el_clsico/s1_11773_25296041http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/1/7180c08812d6eebd3d5c90e2b2e43543ba9ea02a/top_story/GettyImages-897566046.jpgReport: Alexis Sánchez almost had a deal with ArsenalArsenal know all about heartbreak. And soon enough, they are going to know what it’s like to lose a star.Again.This time, we’re talking about Alexis Sánchez. Over the past years, rumors and reports of an imminent exit have spread like wildfire. However, now it appears we finally know why. The worst part being, of course, that he was this close to officially staying put. “…negotiations last season yielded positive results, with news emerging Saturday that he had ‘shaken hands on the terms of a new contract.’” This, according to Matt Hughes of The Times. And then, Bayern happened.“The two sides are believed to have reached an agreement in December 2016, but Sanchez changed his mind months later when Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League after a historic 10-2 loss on aggregate to Bayern Munich – the worst result suffered by an English team in the competition.”That’s certainly one way to lose a star.Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League this season, 18 points off the leader (Manchester City). Of c23 Dec 2017 10:25:22 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/alexis_snchez_almost_had_a_deal_with_arsenal/s1_11773_25296305
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/alexis_snchez_almost_had_a_deal_with_arsenal/s1_11773_25296305Report: Alexis Sánchez almost had a deal with Arsenalhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/alexis_snchez_almost_had_a_deal_with_arsenal/s1_11773_25296305http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/a/fa6ca59d45e50de23db9f9074442028c46cfa8f6/top_story/9360789.jpgMan spends $27K, nearly dies trying to look like BeckhamWhat if you were so enamored with your idol that you would go to any length to look like him/her?Well, this is a question a British man just recently answered on a talk show.Jack Johnson, 21, opened up about spending $27,000 in cold hard cash in an attempt to look like former European soccer sensation David Beckham.“I tried to take my own life because trying to look like Beckham is a full time job and is not easy,” Johnson said, via Rip City Radio. “Trying to look like Beckham nearly killed me and I don’t want others to make the same mistake.”To be sure. It must be hard work attempting to look like this. And at the very least, Johnson is being candid about how his infatuation with Beckham almost led to suicide.“Nobody should ever aspire to look like celebrities to that extent, and I’m an example of that. You need to just be yourself,” Johnson continued. Well, now that this is cleared up. We’ll agree, don’t try this at home, gents.22 Dec 2017 15:52:26 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/british_man_spends_27000_nearly_dies_trying_to_look_like_david_beckham/s1_14810_25292378
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/british_man_spends_27000_nearly_dies_trying_to_look_like_david_beckham/s1_14810_25292378Man spends $27K, nearly dies trying to look like Beckhamhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/british_man_spends_27000_nearly_dies_trying_to_look_like_david_beckham/s1_14810_25292378http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/a/8a71779c28542f65f94f9af3b1b1d3b0dde7a0b7/top_story/9987960.jpgFIFA threatens to expel Spain from World CupThe World Cup isn’t until 2018, but Spain might already be in trouble. So, what’s the issue? Government interference.“FIFA has issued a warning to Spain that interference from the country’s government in the Spanish FA’s (RFEF) presidential election carries with it the penalty of expulsion from the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”This is where the report stems from. But before you say ‘They couldn’t possibly do that…’, just hold on. There is a precedent for this. However, it would happen to a nation that is not nearly on the same level as Spain.“Kuwait earned a similar suspension from 2015 to 2017 due to political interference.”And that’s just the thing—FIFA is all about making money. Losing Kuwait in an international competition is no big deal to them. Losing Spain, however? That would be a heavy loss.That’s why it’s not going to happen. Because as we learn time and time again, FIFA only cares about one thing. And they do not care in the slightest as to how they acquire it.15 Dec 2017 13:00:31 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fifa_threatens_to_expel_spain_from_world_cup/s1_11773_25235879
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fifa_threatens_to_expel_spain_from_world_cup/s1_11773_25235879FIFA threatens to expel Spain from World Cuphttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fifa_threatens_to_expel_spain_from_world_cup/s1_11773_25235879http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/e/7e43f496441331350de2bacddf133bbe03b8d308/top_story/GettyImages-874185268.jpgFive storylines to watch in MLS Cup finalThe MLS Cup final is set to kick off on Saturday, and the much-talked-about match between the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC at BMO Field will soon showcase the two best teams MLS has to offer. And, most importantly, it’s a rematch of last year’s championship game.Toronto will be looking to add to their silverware this season, having already won the U.S. Open Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, with a record-breaking 69 points (eclipsing the previous record held by the LA Galaxy in 1998). Seattle finished near the top of the Western Conference standings, but ended up in second place due to a tiebreaker with Portland.The Sounders will be looking to repeat as champions, and the match is expected to be a highly-competitive one. Only one team is awarded the opportunity to hoist the Philip Anschutz Trophy when it’s all said and done, though, so expect these dominant squads to leave it all on the field.Here are five storylines to watch in the final match of the 2017 MLS season:Clint Dempsey is scoring big goals and in09 Dec 2017 10:20:11 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/five_storylines_to_watch_in_mls_cup_final/s1_12740_25186172
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/five_storylines_to_watch_in_mls_cup_final/s1_12740_25186172Five storylines to watch in MLS Cup finalhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/five_storylines_to_watch_in_mls_cup_final/s1_12740_25186172http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/2/a2950145af741a63e0902d92a634eb4b0e4e9a02/top_story/10466840.jpgCristiano Ronaldo does it againThe 2017 Ballon d’Or winner has been revealed. And, are we really all that surprised? Time to go to battle, Messi and Ronaldo super-fans. That’s right, everybody. Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 32, is now a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The only other footballer with five? Well Lionel Messi, of course.During the 2016-17 campaign, Ronaldo would tally 42 goals and 12 assists across 46 appearances. Meanwhile, Messi would add 54 goals and 19 assists across 52 appearances.Additionally, during Real Madrid’s 3-2 UCL win over Dortmund on Wednesday, Cristiano would score again. But in doing so, became the first-ever player to score in each Champions League group match. His nine total scores leads the competition as well.“This is something I look forward to every year,” Ronaldo would say.We’re unsure if fans can say the same, however. That’s because it’s been a two-man award since 2008.So, who wins No. 6 next year?07 Dec 2017 15:28:41 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/cristiano_ronaldo_does_it_again/s1_11773_25174640
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/cristiano_ronaldo_does_it_again/s1_11773_25174640Cristiano Ronaldo does it againhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/cristiano_ronaldo_does_it_again/s1_11773_25174640http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/7/470017a846cee4e975569610032270bf5a73d968/top_story/GettyImages-461443908.jpgWatch Wayne Rooney score amazing goal from his own half against West HamEven at 32 years of age, Everton striker Wayne Rooney showed he can still score some amazing goals from anywhere on the pitch.Rooney delivered in the dagger against West Ham United on Wednesday, and did so in brilliant fashion. After a poor clearance from his opponent landed at his feet, Rooney attempted to make goalkeeper Joe Hart pay for cheating up a bit.Sure enough, he did.The Everton striker perfectly floated the ball over the Hart’s head, and it actually bounced once before ending up in the net. It was his third goal of the game — completing the hat trick for the Everton star.29 Nov 2017 19:20:58 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/watch_wayne_rooney_score_amazing_goal_from_his_own_half_against_west_ham/s1_12740_25115177
http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/watch_wayne_rooney_score_amazing_goal_from_his_own_half_against_west_ham/s1_12740_25115177Watch Wayne Rooney score amazing goal from his own half against West Hamhttp://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/watch_wayne_rooney_score_amazing_goal_from_his_own_half_against_west_ham/s1_12740_25115177http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/0/90a9836fba953d3be6bb79d3951bf2d379bcb212/top_story/GettyImages-881909300.jpg